Anna Likes Men

Fashion dictate Anna Wintour is paying her first ever visit to Men's Fashion Week in Milan in support of her magazine Men's Vogue. "It’s much smaller in scale, which makes it very charming. It’s easier to see people and just to get around" Ms. Wintour said of the event , "I liked all the pajama dressing, courtesy of Julian Schnabel. I previewed Zegna today and there were some really chic, lightweight suits. I liked all the colors, especially the blues at Gucci. Overall, the tailoring is exquisite as is the quality of the fabrics."

Model Mourning

A 20 year-old model jumped to her death in Manhattan in an apparent suicide yesterday. NY Post reports:

"Ruslana Korshunova, 20, whose face has graced the cover of French Elle and Russian Vogue, apparently jumped from her ninth-floor apartment in her Water Street building in the Financial District just before 2:30 p.m. 'I heard what sounded like a gunshot or a bomb or an explosion,' said a stunned Con Ed worker talking to a cop nearby [...] Cops said there were no signs of a struggle in the one-bedroom apartment, where she lived for only two months. And the balcony from which she plunged had construction netting around it that appeared to have been deliberately ripped."

Known as 'The Russian Rapunzel' for her long, flowing chestnut locks, worked with the elite modeling agency IMG, (which boasts top models Heidi Klum and Kate Moss) and had been featured in ads for Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Vera Wang and Christian Dior.

"Jagger Dagger" $250,000 Ice Pick

Jade Jagger and Belvedere Vodka collaborated in creating a limited-edition ice pick out of 18k white gold, 12 carats of diamonds, 42 sapphires, and lapis. The $250,000 version of the "Jagger Dagger" is available at Harrod’s in London however less pricey ones are being used at bars around the world, including trendy 1Oak in New York City.

Commes des Garcons Olympic Swim Suit

Speedo unveiled their red, white and blue performance swim suit designed specially for the Olympic Games in Beijing. Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons said of her creation "I was interested in expressing the energy and the power that comes from the spirit, embodied in the meaning of the calligraphy, together with the will to win for one's country, symbolized by the iconic flag of the U.S.A.,". The suit will be available to all members of Team USA and individually made for each swimmer's fit needs.

Armani Pens

A collection of limited edition Giorgio Armani pens have been added to the Armani accessories repertoire.

"A handwritten note is today more than ever a sign of etiquette, elegance and sophistication," the designer said. "To carry an iconic pen is therefore a symbol of character and style."

The first 199 piece series entitled the Regal Collection will be available starting this month, to be sold individually or in special edition sets featuring ink, envelopes, Armani letterhead, and a handcrafted black lacquered box ($2,922.00). The sets are perfect to write letters home when you are staying in his new Armani residence apartments in Rome, Milan, or Dubai.

DvF + H. Stern Watch Collaboration

Diane von Furstenberg and H.Stern have collaborated to create some stunning new watches. Named the Sutra Collection, this 9 piece collection is inspired by organic crystal shapes, described by H. Stern’s Creative Director Roberto Stern as “bold, jewel like, glamorous, and sexy”. Innovation meets chic design when some of the diamond studded faces are attached to interchangeable gold chain, satin, or ostrich bands making each watch a little more personal.

Skineez Skinny Claims

Skineez Skincare-wear is a new line of moisturizing/slimming "shapewear" debuting at Macy's. The $68 Skineez are made of fabric that contains microcapsules of caffeine, retinol, and other ingredients that supposedly moisturize the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. After 8 to 10 washings, the garment comes with a spray you can use to add the microcapsules back.

Gossip Girl Grandmother

Super socialite Tinsley Mortimer was seen dressed on the set of Gossip Girl in the Hamptons this past week. We all know the show's actors are in their early 20's, but acting like a high-schooler when you're actually in your 30's should just be called denial. And what of her acting potential? An insider noted to Page 6: “A Tinsley reality show was shot by MTV. But they couldn’t use any of it. It’s collecting dust. She looked good but she just got dressed and went to parties every day and didn’t have anything interesting to say. It was incredibly boring. The project is dead.” Nice try Tinz, but it looks like someone needs a lesson in aging gracefully. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Janet Jackson's Undergarments

Singer/songwriter/actress/dancer/record producer can now add designer to her long list of careers. Janet Jackson is to launch her own lingerie line before the end of the year. “I’m working on it,” is all she had to say at the Versace men’s wear show last week.

Watch Marc Jacobs: Louis Vuitton Empire Collection

The timeless black and white color palette of the new Louis Vuitton Empire Watch Collection is the result of 12 years in the making (the idea for LV watches was first announced in 1997!) by Marc Jacobs. On the subject of the necessity of watch in an age where cell phone clocks prevail he says, "watches are jewelry and become part of a lifetime collection, like an heirloom. A cell phone can't be part of a look or silhouette the way a watch can". Bravo, Mr. Jacobs.

Baby Stilettos

Seattle mom Britta Bacon was reminiscing of her daughter’s baby days when the rational thought "That would have been hilarious if I could have brought Kayla to a party in high heels when she was a baby" came into her head. From that moment on she was in the baby-high-heel business, creating "soft, fully functional crib shoes" in hot patent pink, zebra print, leopard print, and more. And don’t worry about Baby getting hurt because “the heels collapse when stepped on so Baby won’t fall”. This trend has become so hot in the Seattle area that the tiny shoes will hit New York City next month. Can’t believe it? Neither could I… don't hesitate to check out the site

King Louboutin

Manolo Blahnik has been dethroned as the top-dog in luxury shoes. The latest survey* by the Luxury Institute found that Christian Louboutin’s are the most prestigious women’s luxury shoes, followed sequentially by Manolo Blahnik and Hermes. Looks like red lacquered soles and sky high heels have done the trick in creating an understated yet strong impression. *Those surveyed were wealthy women with an average income of $348K and average net worth of $3.6 Million.

Scented Sweat

Herban Essentials Towelettes are the perfect way to wipe off a sticky summer day once you get into appropriately air conditioned surroundings. Refreshing scents of Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Lavendar leave you feeling like you just stepped out of the spa, rather than the ten concrete blocks you just marched down. Pick some up at your nearest Whole Foods.

Chanel Weight Training

Because even Park Avenue Princesses need workout gear, Chanel now provides its luxe clientele with neoprene and iron weights in a variety of colors. At $760 a pair, this is the most expensive 3 pounds of motivation you could ask for.

Selling Liquid Hope

Introducing the latest, priciest fountain of youth (in mist form): Vinita Rejuvinating Elixir. With contents made from crushed diamonds, pearls, and 24 kt. gold extract, this Elixir promises to hydrate, firm, and add luminousity to aging skin. How much does this bottle of youth cost? $300 at Saks.

Social Status

The Luxury Institute has released their list of designer brands accorded "the highest social status by affluent customers''. Topping the list is Bottega Veneta, an obvious outcome of their subtle elegance. “You know it if you’re in the know. It’s for people who aren’t looking to impress others” quoted the Luxury Institute's CEO. Of the brand's consumers, he said “they have self made financial fortunes and do not want to be seen as an ostentatious, avaricious group”. Interestingly enough, Bottega was only the 24^th of the top 25 most familiar luxury name (Number 1 was Calvin Klein which also happened to be number 25 on the social status scale). Other classic brands with lasting social-status value were successively, Valentino, Prada, Chanel, Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and in the 10 spot, Louis Vuitton.

Victoria’s School Project

Your sweats are about to be injected with a shot of cute. Victoria’s Secret announced today that sub-brand Pink is launching a line of college collaborated clothing (under the official name of VS Pink Collegiate Collection). 33 colleges, including Harvard University, will carry sweatpants, hoodies, t-shirts and tote bags all branded by their school logos and Pink starting on July 1. The goods will be available in 375 points of sale including Victoria’s Secret stores located near college campuses, college bookstores, and VS catalogues. Other notable schools on the roster include Texas A&M, University of Arkansas, University of Miami, and University of Oregon.

Sparkle in the Shade

Dolce & Gabanna bring major sparkle to the summer with a new limited edition sunglasses collection. Available in black or white, the frames feature 112 Swarovski crystals in floral formations surrounding stones such as turquoise and coral. Due to hit stores by the end of next month, each pair is around $960.

Olympic Shoes

Hogan’s Olympia sneaker, which was originally designed for the 2004 Olympics, is being revamped for the Beijing Games this August. In honor of the 08-08-08 start date there will be 888 pairs of the ultralight shoe made available for sale. They ivory sneaker has a gold band with red and green contrast stitching and will be available in Hogan stores worldwide.

Soccer Time: Zinedine Zidane Watch

Watch brand IWC is teaming up with soccer phenom Zinedine Zidane to create a limited edition watch. He will also be the global ambassador for the brand, known for its sporty, vintage-style timepieces. A launch party in Paris on Monday will be the official debut of the 1,000 piece watch collection.

Jawbone Earpiece

Yves Behar, designer at stylish bluetooth leader Jawbone, presents the best of the best in wireless headset devices. Jawbone has been on the radar since their 2006 inception, providing earpieces that are innovative in both technology and style. Invisible buttons and sophisticated lines give the typical bluetooth earpiece a chic, sexy look and patented technology that separates speech from ambient noise makes the Jawbone the best piece available to eliminate real world noise. Its newest version boasts all the latest tech updates, is 50% smaller than its original (making it the lightest ear piece you can get) and is available is rose gold or matte black finishes. Available at Barney's next week for $130.

Travel Packing: The Shoe and Bag Rule

Its summertime and what does that mean? Weekend getaways and vacations of course! For stress free outfitting, use this handy packing tip: When packing to go to another city, commit to black or brown as base accessories – never both – and build from there. It will simplify everything and define your color scheme for the trip. Also, it will cause your whole wardrobe to work together instead of being a big salad of things that don’t make sense. Forget linen, forget tulle, forget hats (unless you wear them on the plane) and forget anything that “may come in handy” (because it never will).

Celeb Clothing Line: Lindsay Lohan

Feeding 80’s music fans of tomorrow, Lindsay Lohan has a new leggings line out called 6126. Named after Marilyn Monroe’s birthday, the line includes a large range of knit, cotton, and screen print footless tights and legwarmers. Also featured is a new foot accessory called the ankle glove, which seems somewhat self-explanatory. Available at Fred Segal or Revolve Clothing, the prices will range anywhere from $50-200.

Three in One: Michelle Vale

Talk about multitasking: Michelle Vale's Pique clutch comes with a silver chain strap, gold chain strap, and can also be clutch appropriate, offering a girl three bags in one. The bag's versatility solves the detailed problem of matching your jewelry to your purse, and at night it can be used as a sexy clutch, perfect for summer social events.

Sean Avery: Hockey Pro or Fashionista?

Rangers player Sean Avery caused a lot of buzz when he decided to become a Vogue magazine intern these past few months. Just as he started to fade out of the spotlight, he jumps in again with the announcement that along with Lauryn Flynn, the previous director of celebrity services at Calvin Klein, he will start his own fashion company. No news on details yet, but with their combination I can guarantee fashion world will be buzzing as soon as news comes out.

Baribie for MNG

Barbie gets a modern twist from her new collaboration with fashion retailer Mango. Known Stateside as MNG, they have created a t-shirt line for Barbie appropriately titled “Barbie by MNG Jeans”. The six-piece line launches worldwide and will even be available online for $25-29 a pop. Edgy and casual, the shirts were inspired by the 50’s 70’s and 80’s, giving Barbie lovers a broad range of styles to choose from.

J. Crew Goes Luxe

J. Crew launched its first “Just Ask Desk” at its Rockefeller Center Store in NYC this week. At the desk, you can make appointments with personal shoppers, arrange private shopping parties, pre-order Collection pieces, order monogramming, preview swatch pieces for bridesmaid dresses, and order clothes that aren’t carried in all the stores. The concierge will also hold coats, umbrellas, and packages making your shopping experience more comfortable. To go even further in the luxury concierge experience, the Just Ask Desk will even provide directions, make restaurant reservations, and give advice on Broadway shows around the city.

Vintage Dior

Over 100 authentic, vintage Christian Dior pieces will be on sale at Yoox.com this week. The precious collection was produced between the 1940's and 1980's and includes a strapless haute couture gown from the late 1940's that Christian Dior apparently created himself!

Bikini Benefit

Billabong USA has recruited fashion and movie celebs to design one of a kind bikinis for the Design for Humanity 2008 charity event. Benefiting the Surfrider Foundation, designers include Amber Valletta, Joy Bryant and Charlotte Ronson.

Spotted: Posh Spice

Victoria Beckham was mysteriously at the 4 Times Square building today meeting at Vogue offices. Does someone have a magazine cover coming up? I guess we'll wait and see...

Watch Out

I rarely post on things that have no story behind them other than "I want it because its pretty" but when it comes to this Michael Kors watch, I'm weak. Its rose-hued chain link, stainless steel band, mother-of-pearl dial and Swarovski crystal time slots make it feminine yet strong, sophisticated with a little edge. Its the ultimate Bond girl watch for spring, and lightens up the trendy black-strapped wrists we watched last season.

A Little Word On Sex Appeal

Where on earth could these pants be going? Just because clothes were meant to be body-fitting does not mean they should be skin tight. I agree that women who embrace their sexy figures should stay away from baggy clothes and accentuate their natural curves however, this is just obscene. So ladies, please note, that whether you're out to dinner or out on the town, your style should be more about sophisticated, sexy edginess rather than overtly vulgar sex appeal.

An Animal Affair

Feel the freedom of the jungle from the comfort of your own home with these circus pillows by John Robshaw. Gorgeous details lie in all of their custom, handcrafted textiles are inspired by adventures around the world, from Yogakarta to Vietnam.

Eiffel Shoes

Anne Valerie Hash gives us the newest trendy way to spend $715. Appropriately named the Eiffel shoes, criss crossed leather straps on these sandals form the shape of the Eiffel Tower. Known for her experimentation with the desconstruction of fashion and clothing, Hash was inspired her France's most famous structure, translating the idea to a sleek, chic, and non-kitchy foot accessory.

Erotic Eating

A collaboration between furniture and product designer Philippe Di Meo and French tableware firms Christofle and Baccarat, has given birth to a set of racy dining utensils. Pieces include a lip shaped eclair holder and a porcelin chalice in the form of a shapely bottom. Enhancing your every bite, these utensils are meant to emphasize the menage a trois of chef, tableware, and diner.

Extra Baggage

Stay super organized with the Purse Mate from Joey Junior, a polyester sleeve with compartments for everything you need. Not only does this keep everything out of the abyss, but it cuts your time of changing purses in half! It even comes in 2 sizes, tidying up big purses and little purses alike.

Foot Care

I've always walked in flats and changed into sky high heels at the office (or just out of the rain) thinking I was saving my feet any long term damage. However, a new study shows that ballet flats, which seem to be comfortable, are making the foot work much harder than it should! "They give absolutely no support whatsoever in the arch," says Dr. Rock Positano, Director of Non-Surgical Foot & Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. He goes on to say that 30% of knee, hip, and back injuries stem from foot strain cause by improper support. Wearing unsupportive shoes such as flats or flip flops can lead to inflammation of the Achilles tendon as well as tendon strains throughout the knees and legs. Ouch! What are we left with now, moon shoes?

Are You A Charlotte?

Do you prefer modern, clean, tasteful style? Channeling her Sex and the City character Charlotte (and straying from her sex-tape scandal reality), Kristin Davis has announced her new fashion line that exudes those qualities. Davis, who grew up in South Carolina, is partnering with southern retail chain Belk to create better-line women’s clothing. “In the South, there is a feminine quality that often gets lost in high fashion” she said Belk’s sensibilities. The line will retail from $30 – 240 and will launch big with sportswear, activewear, sleepwear, handbags, jewelry, belts, and footwear. They even have future plans for a home goods line, something she is very excited about.